Brook's position on sexually transmitted infections

Brook believes that young people need to be well informed about the risks of sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancy so that when they choose to become sexually active they are able to protect their sexual health.

The statistics show that there is clearly a need to improve education and prevention programmes in order to reduce sexually transmitted infections amongst young people.

Improving sex and relationships education by making it a statutory part of the national curriculum and providing services that are accessible, confidential and well publicised are the keys to improving young people's sexual health.

Sexual health information, education and services also need to be relevant to people’s everyday experience of sex and relationships. Messages need to be integrated to link unwanted pregnancy, STIs and HIV together and put them in the context of young people's lives.

Brook always encourages the use of condoms, either alone or in addition to the usual method of contraception, to protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Background information

Since 1995 there has been a rise in the diagnosis of acute sexually transmitted infections such as genital chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and genital warts. Chlamydia cases increased by 222% between 1995 and 2004, gonorrhoea increased by 111% and syphilis, though affecting only a small number of people, increased by 1,497%. In particular, there have been large and increasing numbers of diagnoses among teenage women and men who have sex with men. [1]

There is evidence that young people’s awareness of sexually transmitted infections is increasing but that they do not perceive themselves as at risk. A survey in 2004 found that 92% of women and 87% of men aged 16-24 were aware of chlamydia but only 58% of women and 64% of men in the same age group always used condoms.[2]

This is borne out by figures from GUM clinics. In 2004, 76% of diagnoses of chlamydia infection in women occurred in the under 25 age group; 36% of diagnoses were in 16-19 year old young women.[3] It is estimated that as many as one in ten sexually active young women may have the infection.

STI diagnoses in men who have sex with men increased by 6% between 2003 and 2004, a larger increase than those seen in men generally or in females which were 4% and 1% respectively. [4]

2004 saw the largest annual number of newly diagnosed HIV infections. [5]

There is a strong link between social deprivation and STIs. The rates of gonorrhoea in some inner city black and minority ethnic groups, for instance, are ten or eleven times higher than in whites. [6]

Government Response

In England the Department of Health published a Sexual Health and HIV Strategy in 2001 which aims to reduce the transmission of HIV and STIs, reduce the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV and STIs; reduce unintended pregnancy rates; improve health and social care for people living with HIV; and reduce the stigma associated with HIV and STIs.

The Scottish Executive completed consultation in February 2004 on a draft Sexual Health and Relationships Strategy to reduce unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections; enhance the provision of sexual health services; and promote a broad understanding of sexual health and sexual relationships that encompasses emotions, attitudes and social context.

The Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety also completed consultation on a draft Sexual Health Promotion Strategy and Action Plan in March 2004 the objectives of which are to reduce the incidence of STIs including HIV; to reduce the number of unplanned births to teenage mothers; to provide appropriate, effective, accessible and equitable information and education to enable people to make informed choices about their sexual health and personal relationships; and to facilitate equitable access to quality sexual health services.

The National Assembly for Wales has published A Strategic Framework for Promoting Sexual Health in Wales and the Health and Social Services Committee of the States of Jersey has convened a Sexual Health Strategy Group to coordinate planning and action aimed at improving all aspects of sexual health in Jersey.

[1] Health Protection Agency, Diagnoses of selected STIs by region, sex and age group. United Kingdom: 1995-2004, HPA 2005